Re: My first semi build thread
 

I love the way SuperMario did Sue's black Peterbilt.
http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/...te/image11.jpg
http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/...ete/image4.jpg
http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/.../image-034.jpg
http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/.../image-025.jpg
http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/...blackpete3.jpg

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Pretty creative engineering right there. That's exactly the placement of the servo I was hoping to achieve.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Those are RC Damper crossmembers Mario is using, you can find those on eBay.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Oh alright, I appreciate it. I'll have a look for them. Haven't used eBay in a few years since I've discovered Amazon prime lol. It looks that eBay has a bunch of stuff for these trucks.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Once it was set up it took a little adjustment bending the Z rod to the correct length from the servo to tt to get the right tention holding the king pin tight with a fully laydend trailer on it but once do it works great and I set it up on the gear channel toggle switch so it easy to operate and not worrying about playing with other settings...
And I still have the power switch in the tt covered with heat shrink..

Cheers Tracy

Re: My first semi build thread
 

That does look like a pain getting the bends set correctly but we'll worth the look of lack of visible servo components.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Instead of using the 2mm rod, I use a braided fishing line..

The benefits are that its very difficult to see the fishing line, and it will also allow you to couple up to a trailer without having to manually unlock or open the latch on your 5th wheel like you will have to with the rod..

Re: My first semi build thread
 

I'm glad you brought that up Backlash. That's is one of those things you don't think about until it's too late. A steel leader would work and look like it belongs also. Thanks!

Re: My first semi build thread
 

I put a micro servo on my first truck, ran the rod down everything is easily adjusted with a programmable radio, works great....as long as its the only truck you have and your only pulling one trailer or its a shelf queen. As my fleet grew, with both trucks and trailers I realized that it was a huge PIA, mostly when I was at a meet and wanted to switch trailers or in one case a young guy new to the truck stuff asked if he could pull my trailer hooked to that tractor, didn't want to tell him no so I had to shut down the truck I was driving and switch models in the radio just to unlatch the 5th wheel. The cool factor and good clean look wore off real fast as this type of thing happened more than once. You also might consider a separate receiver battery pack instead of the ESC BEC or have a hot spare battery with you all the time, if your battery dies or you have an electrical problem its a real pain trying to move a truck with the trailer attached to it, to the bench or where ever just because its "cool" to have a servo operated 5th wheel. I won't change my first truck but I haven't done it to the last 2 I've built. Have fun, its looking good, liking the purple, waiting for more pics!

Re: My first semi build thread
 

With that being said about the rod operated fifth wheel, I'm definitely going to use a steel wire for a servo operated hook. I can see how that would be a problem with a rod as you've experienced. Thank you for the advice TruckMaker. I'm sure I can hook up a BEC to the micro servo and run it off another battery for a plane that can tuck down beside the servo. With a wire and not a rod it would be easy for my skinny fingers to just give it a tug to release a trailer. I'll probably attach an extra wire so it'll be easier to release a trailer.

I haven't really had any updates yet but I'll certainly get some pictures later of an addition I'm working on.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

What I meant about the battery is a 4 cell battery holder that has 4 AA batteries in it which plugs into the battery socket on your receiver, it replaces the BEC in your ESC. MAKE SURE THAT IF YOU GO THIS ROUTE YOU REMOVE THE RED WIRE FROM THE ESC PLUG WHERE IT PLUGS INTO THE RECEIVER OR YOU WILL ALLOW THE MAGIC BLUE SMOKE TO ESCAPE! This way you don't need a BEC or a motor battery to operate the radio system, its also nice for setting a radio system up on the bench and keeps you from watching the truck flying off the bench because something wasn't adjusted right or a servo was reversed etc., again experience tells the tale, LOL.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Oh alright gotcha! Yes I am aware of that disconnection of the red wire is a must when plugged into the rx. Double the voltage isn't always double the fun. I do however have an rx solely for testing on my bench. It is definitely a great tool to have for what you are talking about, I too have experienced runaway motors before , it's not fun lol. Sometimes I tend to over complicate things, case an point the micro servo power suppl and I'm sure it won't be the last time during this build either. With everyone's help an advice is sending this build in a great direction which I'm pretty thankful for.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

I had some black ABS plastic laying around so I made a leafspring mount to pull the axle forward a smidgen.
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...IMAG0215_1.jpg

Re: My first semi build thread
 

That spring relocation isn't very practical so I did some searching around for a better solution so tomorrow I'm going to roll the leafs and the styrene I ordered will be here tomorrow so I can start working on the hood. Also have an rc4wd 65t motor to replace the stocker. I have plenty of 55t motors but never tried a 65 can. Tomorrow should be a productive day.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Starting to look road worthy. Mounted the bumper nut not finished with wiring the 32 leds on it yet, I'm going to need a larger battery for all the lights that will be on this rolling Christmas Tree.
The axle need to be moved forward, I just don't know which route to take with accomplishing this task. I also found a way to add a steel wire to the fifth wheel hook with an electric wire connector.
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...4211233612.jpghttp://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...1/IMAG0225.jpg

Re: My first semi build thread
 

As far as moving the axle forward, loosen the u-bolts and move the axle forward of the bump retainers and check to see if it's enough and tighten it all back up. It won't move once everything is tight but you'll have to adjust your steering a bit. I did this on a chassis about 2 weeks ago and it worked great. It doesn't change the ride height or steering enough to notice.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Thanks, I will give that a go!

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Thanks TruckMaker for that quick front axle trick, works great and didn't really need to touch the steering or make any other adjustment.
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...IMAG0226_1.jpg

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Looking good! Moving the front axle and lowering the sleeper roof made some big improvements for sure.

I really like the length of a stock Grand Hauler, not too short, not too long.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Your Welcome, It looks good and I agree with Claus, the length is perfect!

Re: My first semi build thread
 

The truck is looking great so far. Your doing a fine job.:)
Playing catch up here but, I have to agree with truck maker. I was real happy with the concealed rod for the fifth wheel but as time went on I realized it's a bit of a pain and wish I had a manual release for those times when you want to uncouple and not have to power up the truck. That idea was short lived and I never bothered because I discovered another PIA. All my trailers have SS Tronix wireless systems with motorized support legs. I didn't want the manual toggle switch to run the legs and never installed so even if I can release the trailer, if the legs are up, I can't run them down without powering the truck up.
It's a bit annoying but Not bad enough to revamp the set up. :)

Keep up the good work. :cool:

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Thanks. Yea I agree with the length, I really like it and the turn radius isn't too bad either.

I started building the interior of the sleeper today as I don't have much else to work on. I also am trying to figure out what I am going to do the red SMD led's and how to set them but ideas are flowing so I'll eventually come up with a plan.

Here's where I'm at in the sleeper. His the battery tray put up some walls and hung a flat-screen TV lol

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...1/IMAG0234.jpg

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Thank you, Sir
It sounds like you have quite a debacle on your hands and changing, building and creating is the best part about this hobby. For the fifth wheel I'm going with the braided steel wire so I don't run into the problems previously mentioned.

How do you like that wireless system for your trailer? Eventually I would like to use a wireless trailer system when the time comes.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

I've been happy with the system. Plug n play, very reliable , but expensive compared to other systems out there. Another issue is only having one aux channel for the trailer. What I mean is, if you have a dump trailer you need that channel to run the dump box which means you can't run motorized legs also.
That's how my dump trailer is set up with manual legs. Once trailer is hooked up and dumping, who cares about the legs anyway.:lol:

The other nice thing about SS tronix is capacity. can handle 120 LEDs on trailer and another 120 on the truck.

:eek:...before I forget, SS Tronix system is designed to work with a MFU. If your going to use any other ESC set up, this system isn't right for your build.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Good info to have since I do want to get and/or build a dump trailer. I haven't really decided on a particular mfu or esc yet. I'm also thinking about getting a 9 channel radio for this truck and future trucks. Right now I'm running a cheapo hobbywing esc with only forward/reverse before I spend money on something that is programmable like a Holmes or a Tekin. So I want everything wireless so I don't have to touch my truck while operating it.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Started painting the interior and need to make a bench/bed cushion, I think I need to head over to the fabric store and pick out some fabric for the sleeper.
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...921_151642.jpg

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Making some progress. Sprayed the first color of the body. I have to wait for the fenders, grill and single headlight buckets and air cleaners. Thinking about adding a tinted window in the rear of the sleeper. Still have alot more to do but it's taking shape.

I'm not liking the cut lines on the hood. I need to fix that.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...1/IMAG0257.jpg

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Started on lighting up the cab.
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...1/IMAG0267.jpg
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...1/IMAG0266.jpg

Re: My first semi build thread
 

95% done with painting just waiting on fenders. I cut out better hood walls that sit a little lower but will be trimmed. I also started on the fifth wheel hook release and will probably finish that tomorrow since its pretty straightforward.
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...1/IMAG0305.jpg

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Comin along nicely

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Thanks!
I started working on wiring the clearance lights and I might have to steal the tlu-01 from my Unimog for now to keep everything simple.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Yeahhh....I'm definitely going to need eye protection when these UV bulbs are lit, and I'm not joking. :cool:
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...IMAG0312_1.jpg

Re: My first semi build thread
 

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...201_041859.jpg
Hooking up that remote trailer release was pretty simple and it will work without power if needed.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Hooked up my driver with a brand new mud duck SSB CB radio.
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...IMAG0333_1.jpg

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Since I'm finied building for the most part, I'm undecided about which lighting and sound unit would be best for my truck. I'm looking for something that is versatile and has options. There are a few out there and I just can't make a decision.
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...1/IMAG0367.jpg

Re: My first semi build thread
 

The trucks looking good but you might ask your shop foreman there he's kinda interested in some thing on the back of the truck, you can see the gears turning :lol::lol::D

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Thank you! Haha I think he's curious as to where the trailer is, he can be a little catty when stuff is missing.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Uploaded a video today

https://youtu.be/BClDzoydY4I

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Very nice, truck is looking great.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Love that video :cool:
What is the camera your using to take the video on and have you got a pic of it ?

Cheers Tracy